Former Portugese player Figo attends the draw of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the UEFA headquarters on March 19, 2010 in Nyon and speaks to reports afterwards.EXTRA VIDEO
Champions League Special Review - Chelsea FC vs Inter MilanThis episode listeners are treated to a tri-panel of Kris Voakes, Dov Schiavone and host Kevin Walker who dissect Jose Mourinho's Inter and their Champions League victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In the final segment the boys talk a little Serie A as fires blaze in Rome with Lazio's defeat to Bari, David Beckham's injury and some final predictions on matches this weekend..
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Goals, goals, goals was on the agenda in Serie A this past weekend. Is this great play by the attackers or bad by the defence?? who knows. Serie A has been like this during this season, where some weeks there has been hardly any goals and other weeks where there has been goals bonanza. This has been few and far between and this is why Serie A has been stereotyped as a dull league this season and in season past. But i think over the weekend where in the 10 games played over the 3 days the goal average was at 3.9 per game.One game in question where there was a lot of goals was a game at the Marassi between Genoa and Cagliari. Where the game finished 5-3 to the home side and there was 5 goals in 6 minutes just before half time. It was 1-0 to the away team before the deluge of goals which meant it was 4-2 to Genoa at half time. Genoa have been one of the open attacking teams this season with the attacking 3-4-3 formation and they have been involved in 3 games this season which have had goals involved. A loss at home to Inter which ended 5-0 to Inter, a 4-3 home defeat to Bologna and Sunday afternoon game 5-3 victory. There was a few games which were open games and they were both top vs bottoms teams where both Roma and Juventus were playing Livorno and Siena and both games ended 3-3.
I think this weekend just papers over the cracks really this season. All the Italians teams have failed in Europe this season (exception Inter) and in 3 years it does now look like Italy will lose a champions league birth to the Bundesliga. The Italian league has been in a demise for a few years now with poor stadium attendances and badly run clubs i.e. Roma, Lazio and Parma have been poorly run.
To compare this weekends goal fest to the likes of the Premier and La Liga is a bit far-fetched at the time being. La Liga in my opinion is the best league at the moment for pure technical reasons and hosts the best player of the world in Lionel Messi and you have seen 2 former Serie A Stars in Kaka and Zlatan Ibrahimovic jumped ship to join Real Madrid and Barcelona, Serie A is light years behind La Liga on and off the pitch. Also to compare to the Premiership is also a bit far fetched as Premier League has come into his own in the last couple of years, but has been hampered fiancially badly. Serie A is now playing 3rd and 4th fiddle behind La Liga and Premiership with the Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
Serie A clubs need to buck up their ideas on and off the pitch to make this league one of the best in the future.
Could not bear to bring myself to remove our latest sidebar video of Giampaolo Pazzini talking with the Italian Sky Sports anchor woman until finding out who exactly she is. Therefore, here is the highlight video from yesterday's matches embedded in post format.
This is my choice for picture of the day from yesterday's contest. Elder statesman Javier Zanetti salutes the travelling Inter tifosi at Stamford Bridge after victory against Chelsea FC, London's finest.
Mention the name Roberto Donadoni to most people and the first thought that would creep into their mind is ‘incompetent coach’, but many forget he was a great winger and one of the reasons AC Milan dominated Serie A and Europe during the late eighties/early nineties. Born on 9th September 1963 in Bergamo, he was picked up by local side Atalanta where his glittering career began and after an outstanding season with the Atalanta youth side he made the step up to the first team in 1982 while they were playing in Serie B. Helping Atalanta to promotion in 1984, he managed a further two seasons in Serie A with the Orobici.
Donadoni was a winger, not just any winger a superlative winger, he was known for his wonderful technique and ability to run with the ball. He could dribble, cross and finish to as high a standard as any player of his day. He owned the right side of midfield and his bursts of pace legendary.
His big move came in 1986, when Silvio Berlusconi personally brought Donadoni to the recently acquired AC Milan side. Berlusconi did the negotiating himself and Donadoni was his first capture as new Milan owner.
There was controversy surrounding the capture as Juventus, it seemed were in pole position to sign the right-winger from Atalanta and allegedly had an agreement in place with Atalanta before Silvio swooped. This was the first time a player ‘promised’ to Juventus had not made the move to Turin.
His time in Milan was awash with silverware; Donadoni was a vital cog in a team that won five Serie A titles, three European Cups, three European Super Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups. Possibly his finest hour came in the 1989 European Cup semi-final where he was instrumental in the 5-0 drubbing dished out to Spanish giants Real Madrid, scoring the final goal in the rout.
Playing under with Arrigo Sacchi and with Fabio Capello he was a stalwart in the Milan side for ten years, winning everything there was to win with the Rossoneri. So in 1996, Donadoni moved across the Atlantic and joined NY/NJ Metrostars of the newly formed American MLS (Major League Soccer). In this first season he was voted into the Best XI for that particular year.
After two years in the USA he returned to AC Milan and played a further two seasons for the Rossoneri and won his final Scudetto in 1999 under Alberto Zaccheroni.
Emigrating to Saudi Arabia to play in 'Al-Ittihad, he won the last championship of his decorated career during his only year with the club. He retired in 2000.
Coupled with a glittering club career he was also key for the Azzurri side. Winning 63 caps between 1986 and 1996, playing in the European Championships of 1988, and 1996. Unfortunately his national career will forever be remembered for his penalty miss in the 1990 semi-final. He was also part of the team the lost on penalties to Brazil in the 1994 World Cup Final.
Since his retirement from playing, Donadoni has gone on to coach a number of sides in the Italian lower leagues. He began his coaching career with Serie C1 side Lecco in 2001; he took over the top job at Livorno in 2002. A brief stint at Genoa during the 2003/04 season resulted with Donadoni returning to Livorno in 2005. It was here he made his name as a coach when he amazingly led the Tuscan team to sixth place in Serie A. But he handed in a shock resignation during February 2006, after Amaranto chairman, Aldo Spinelli, denounced Donadoni’s tactics after a 2-2 draw with Messina during a television interview. Donadoni was wounded and felt this was not the way he wanted to be treated and he immediately quit the club. A bigger job was to come calling soon after.
After Marcelo Lippi resigned from the Italian national job following the 2006 World Cup triumph, Roberto Donadoni was his chosen successor.
His reign at the helm of La Nazionale was disastrous to say the least, only months after taking the job Italian newspaper La Nazione's front page featured "How to reduce Lippi's masterwork to pieces in just three weeks," following some embarrassing EURO 2008 qualifier performances, though Italy did qualify for the tournament.
During EURO 2008, Donadoni was handed the biggest defeat for Italy's national team in over 25 years by former Milan team-mate Marco van Basten: a 3–0 loss to the Netherlands. He was castigated in the media for his choice of players and tactics during the tournament. As a result of Italy’s dismal showing he was relieved of his duties in June 2008.
On 10 March 2009, Napoli announced the appointment of Donadoni, he lasted 18 games, winning just four.
Roberto Donadoni may not have the best record as a coach, but he is one of the most decorated players ever to play the beautiful game. He captivated audiences and was part of an invincible AC Milan side, holding his own with the likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard.
What a game, what a great game. Mourinho's side reach the final 8 beating Chelsea on their home pitch 1-0.This means of course the current Italian champions Internazionale qualified for Champions League quarter-finals, beating a temperamental Chelsea in their last 16 second leg match, 3-1 on aggregate.
Didier Drogba, second on the top scoring charts in the EPL with 21 goals, could not penetrate Inter's back line of Maicon, Lucio, Samuel and Zanetti all evening.
What a performance by Welsey Sneijder. Are the halls echoing in the Bernabeu? Perhaps now it should be obvious the transfer away of the Dutchman was ill conceived by Los Blancos, as the Madrid institution yet again sits out the jewel in the crown of European football. Sneijder was key to Inter's success in the midfield and really should have scored outright himself after providing numerous opportunities to Inter's attacking trident of Eto'o, Milito and Pandev.
A star finish goes out to another recent Inter import Samuel Eto'o. Eto'o slammed home the winning goal in the 79th minute, picking the near-side of Chelsea's stand-in keeper Turnbull. Sneijder, once again instrumental, picked out Eto'o with a sublime pass and that was all that was needed to defeat their English hosts, as the visiting Nerazzurri closed up shop for the remainder.
Inter was an Italian club never willing to say never, we'll have to show it more respect on the pages of serieaweekly.com. Inter manager Mourinho, who took Porto to the Champions League title in 2004, is dreaming of winning the European Cup again. Asked if he thought this victory against Chelsea was as good as winning the title, he replied: "I hope my biggest success is still in the future."
Video: A pre-match build up trailer and the pre-match Chelsea press conference from yesterday. Was that Malouda wishing for a clean sheet and only one goal? He surely got it but for the wrong team.
In the other Champions League match today CSKA Moscow defeated Sevilla 2-1 and also qualify for the final 8 of the competition
Jose Mourinho will march back into Stamford Bridge tonight and he's already stirred up some controversy. The Special One has said he should still be in charge of Chelsea and, when you consider the fact they have tried appointed four different managers in an effort to replace him, it’s hard to disagree.
When Mourinho took over at Chelsea he had a clear vision of how to turn them into title contenders. He employed a 4-3-3 formation, based on a solid defence, a hard working midfield and a powerful lone striker who would be supported by creative players on the wings.
Mourinho set about getting the players he needed to make the formation work. Over the years he recruited the likes of Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba.
Not all of these players will be in action against Mourinho's Inter Milan tonight, but they are all still at the club and can command a first team place when fit.
Alongside them are the talents that Mourinho inherited when he took over at Chelsea. John Terry and Frank Lampard were the talismans of Mourinho's side and still enjoy the same status in the team of 2010.
With the bulk of the team that Mourinho built still alive and kicking, he now faces the task of defeating his own monster. Are Inter strong enough to preserve their 2-1 lead?
The Champions League betting suggests not, but one thing that's true is that this Chelsea side are not quite as good as the Mourinho vintage. Now employing a diamond formation with two strikers, they don't quite have the same balance as Mourinho's 4-3-3.
Even though the online betting makes Chelsea strong favourites for the game, the fact that no team managed by Jose Mourinho has ever lost at Stamford Bridge also has to be taken into account. To retain that record would really be something special.
AC Milan got out of jail last night but i have the experienced Dutchman to thank. A 91st minute winner which flow into the top corner past Sorrentino. The relief was there to see on all the players and the staff of Ac Milan. This match will be overshadowed because of the serious injury picked up by David Beckham a Achilles tendon injury which will mean he will be sidelined for up to 6 months. An important win for AC Milan to close the gap in this title race.Inter surprisingly lost away to Catania on the Friday night game. This game was switched to Friday night because of Inter's champions league game away at Chelsea. It started well for Inter as early in the 2nd half, Samuel Eto'o unselfishly squared the ball to Diego Milito who knocked it into an empty net. 16 Minutes from time former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez equalised when he tapped in a Alvarez cross. Then a moment of madness by Sully Muntari who picked up two yellow cards in a space of two minutes. He was only on the pitch for two minutes. With the 2nd yellow card was a handball in the penalty box and up stepped Mascara who chipped it over Cesar. Into stoppage time Jorge Martinez embarrassed the Inter defence when he broke on the left and ran unmarked and fired it past Cesar.
A brilliant game in Tuscany where Livorno entertained Roma. I was watching this game on a lovely Spanish feed. This is the game where Christiano Lucarelli rolled back the years, a wonderful hat-trick by the Livorno target man. Lucarelli given the first of his hat-trick when he broke the offside trap and beat Julio Sergio from the angled drive. literally moments later Simone Perrotta equalised after a lovely flick by Toni. Toni got his goal when he headed in a Pizarro free kick which was flicked on by Perrotta. Once again Livorno equalised when Lucarelli once again sprung the offside trap and cooly rounded Sergio to make it 3-2. Once again Roma hit back 60 seconds later when a well moved pass by Perrotta found Pizarro to slot past Rubinho. 3-2 after 28 minutes. Pizarro had the chance to make it 4-2 just before half time but failed from the Penalty spot after Menez was fouled. Livorno hit back with 20 minutes to go when Juan received a penalty in the area for handball and up stepped Lucarelli to send the keeper the wrong way. Brilliant game and fair play to both clubs.
Juventus stupidly threw a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 at home to Siena. It wasn't Grygera finest moment for Juve as his 2 mistakes clearly cost them 3 points. ADP netted his 300 and 301 career goals for Juventus and a wonderful goal by Antonio Candreva made it 3-0 after 15 minutes. Then the come back was on when Maccarone pulled one back after 16 minutes. Siena pulled another back just after half time when Abdel Ghezzal unmarked tapped in from a Maccarone cross. 3-3 was the scoreline with 20 minutes to go when Grygera nightmare was continued as he fouled Maccarone and Ghezzal smashed in the penalty.
Bologna picked up a controversial late equaliser at home to Sampdoria as the game finished 1-1. Gastaldello thought he gave Samp all 3 points with 5 minutes to go, but Raggi equaliser 2 minutes into stoppage time annoyed Sampdoria. Clearly the goal annoyed Sampdoria as Succi was clearly offside for the goal. Fiorentina ended Napoli home run as they went away with a 3-1 win thanks to a double from Alberto Gilardino and a 94th minute goal by Stevan Jovetic. Lavezzi with the goal for Napoli as they went 1-0 up. Bari have pretty much condemed Lazio to a relegation dog fight as Bari won at the Olimpico 2-0. Sergio Almiron and Edgar Alvarez with the goals. Lazio fans did not like this when they started burning seats in the stadium. tut tut.
Parma won 1-0 at home to Atalanta thanks to Manchester City loanee Valeri Bojinov goal 20 minutes from time. Udinese came through a tough test at home by beating Palermo 3-2 thanks to a double by Antonio Floro Flores, goal of the game came from Edison Cavani overhead kick to make it 3-2. Right i have left this game to last because 8 goals and Genoa have been involved in goals this season. The game finished 5-3 between Genoa-Cagliari and amazing 5 goals were scored in a space of 6 1st half minutes. Goals goals goals at the Marassi!!!
Complete Week 28 Results
Bologna 1-1 Sampdoria
Catania 3-1 Inter Milan
Genoa 5-3 Cagliari
Juventus 3-3 Siena
Lazio 0-2 Bari
Livorno 3-3 Roma
AC Milan 1-0 Chievo
Napoli 1-3 Fiorentina
Parma 1-0 Atalanta
Udinese 3-2 Palermo
Serie A Boring Never!!!!
